The Alaska State Fair has released its list of acts performing at this year's event. As has become the modus operandi for the Fair, the headliners are classic rockers and mid-90s pop rock, although this year has one notably contemporary exception.
As far as headliners go, the biggest names in the first weekend are some of those older rock acts, including the popular '80s progressive rock group Queensrÿche, perhaps best known for their 1990 No. 1 mainstream rock single "Silent Lucidity" -- yes, that's a multi-neck guitar in the video -- from their three-times platinum album "Empire." Later in the week, "Slow Ride" rockers Foghat make an appearance. The band has made many personnel changes over the years, and only the drummer, Steve Jones, remains from the original lineup, although current bassist Craig MacGregor was also present for the tail end of the band's heyday.
Filling in the other weekend days are the '90s alternative rock band Chevelle -- who many fans will recognize from their single "The Red," although they've been a steady rock music force in the 2000s -- and popular country star Craig Morgan, who had the most-played country single of 2005, "That's What I Love About Sunday." The lead story on Morgan's website proclaims "Craig Morgan rescues family from burning house."
Following opening weekend, the mid-week acts are the Charlie Daniels Band, far and away best known for their frenetic bluegrass-style single "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." The Rat Pack Revue, a Rat Pack tribute band, will perform Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr. hits like "Come Fly With Me" and "New York, New York."
The second week features more contemporary fare, with Uncle Kracker playing a show on Thursday, Sep. 1. Uncle Kracker is perhaps best known for his crossover country hits "Follow Me" and "Drift Away" -- which, now that I see them put together, are two very incongruous song titles.
Set to perform on the following Monday -- and closing day of the fair -- is pop singer Colbie Caillat, whose 2009 album "Breakthrough" achieved the no. 1 Billboard spot. Fans can hear her sing hits like 2005's "Bubbly" and 2009's "Fallin' for You." See all dates, times and ticket prices, at the website of the Alaska State Fair.
Contact Ben Anderson at ben(at)alaskadispatch.com.